Ricky Martin sued over World Cup 2014 song Vida

Latin pop star Ricky Martin is facing a $US10 million ($10.82 million) plagiarism lawsuit over his 2014 soccer World Cup song Vida.

Aspiring artist Luis Adrian Cortes Ramos, a former finalist on TV talent show Idol Puerto Rico, claims he submitted his version of the track as part of SuperSong, a contest Martin and Sony Music executives launched late last year to find a new tune for the FIFA World Cup championships in Brazil.

According to court documents, filed in Puerto Rico last week, the competition organisers promised "the winning composer would be recognised and he would be given credit for his work" - but Ramos insists that never happened.

He alleges his single failed to make the official cut for the final five in the SuperSong contest in January, but was then released by Martin just months later, without his knowledge or permission.

Lawyers for the plaintiff write, "Ramos was surprised, disillusioned and suffered mental anguish because the song was almost identical to the one he composed. Until that moment, Martin was an idol for Ramos."

A representative for Martin has declined to comment directly on the lawsuit, revealing Sony bosses are currently looking into the dispute.

Vida is credited as being written by Martin, Salaam Remi and Elijah King and produced by Remi. It appeared on the One Love, One Rhythm - The 2014 FIFA World Cup Official Album in May.